The very simple reason they didn't invite Abbott to Skate America: Just once they wanted to have Evan win Skate America.

Yeah, that's the beef. Why would the USFSA want to have Evan Lysacek win Skate America just once, rather than to have Jeremy Abbott win Skate America just once (or even to have him participate just once)?

Why not invite them both, along with Oda , and let the chips fall where they may?

If I remember correctly, some people regarded Michelle's exuberant program-ending Y-spin as being sort of little-girlish, and she tried to work on variations that somehow sent out a more mature vibe. But the audiences would have none of it!

What do you mean, Mathman? I don't remember Michelle's "Y"spin being too girlish...I liked when Michelle would do Y-spins on both legs, although the spin on her right skating leg/left free leg was much better in terms of extension.